Five unbeaten Hemel head to Tonbridge but lose Stanley to shoulder injury

Thursday 15 October 2026 · By Quentin Sandgate

Hemel Hempstead Town travel to Tonbridge Angels on Saturday (17 October, 3pm) for a game brought forward from January, and they go in on a five-game unbeaten run.

The fixture was originally scheduled for 23 January 2027 but was moved because Tonbridge’s opponents this weekend, Chesham United, are in the FA Cup. Tonbridge confirmed the change on 11 October.

Hemel’s latest result was a goalless draw at Dagenham & Redbridge on 10 October. Lee Angol was denied by a save from Dagenham goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore, but Hemel kept a clean sheet and took a point.

Manager Lee Bircham was pleased. “I’m delighted for the boys, that’s another clean sheet, another point on the road, five unbeaten,” he told Hemel Today.

Goalkeeper and captain Michael Johnson spoke about the change in mood. “The spirit… has grown exponentially in the last few weeks after a really tough period,” he said.

The draw came at a cost. Defender Devante Stanley was forced off with a dislocated shoulder, Hemel Today reported. There has been no update on how long he will be out, and Bircham will need to reshuffle his defence.

Hemel are 14th in the Enterprise National League South with 14 points from 11 games. They have won three, drawn five and lost three, and they have conceded only 10 goals. The defence has been a strength, and that is why Stanley’s injury is a concern.

Recent signings have added options. Angol and Chigozie joined on loan from Luton Town until the end of December, and Panayiotou signed in September.

Tonbridge are ninth, three points ahead of Hemel. They are unbeaten in six league away games but have won only one of their five games at home, so Hemel will see a chance to extend their run.

After Saturday, Hemel host AFC Totton on Saturday 24 October, then travel to Dorking Wanderers on Tuesday 27 October and Billericay Town on Saturday 31 October.

The Totton game is an opportunity to pick up three points against a side in the bottom four. The trips to Dorking and Billericay will be harder, against two of the division’s highest-scoring sides.

Bircham’s side have come through a difficult period earlier in the season, and the current run has restored confidence. Johnson’s comments about spirit suggest a squad that has come together.

Hemel’s attack has been less productive than their defence, with only 10 league goals so far. Angol’s arrival was meant to help, and he will be looking to score at Tonbridge.

A win on Saturday would lift Hemel towards the top half of the table and extend their unbeaten run to six. With a solid defence and growing belief, Bircham will be confident his side can get something from the trip to Kent.

The club’s supporters will be hoping the run can continue. After a tough start, Hemel are now one of the harder teams in the division to beat, and Saturday is a chance to prove it again.